elk hunting

Be Prepared – Packing for Elk and Deer Hunts

By Rich Fuller

Whenever you venture into the wilderness – even if it’s no wilder than your state park – you need to make sure you’re well prepared for any eventuality. If you’re going on a guided hunt, your outfitter will probably give you a list of suggested items to pack. But still, it pays to plan ahead. First, think about where you’re going and what you’re going to be doing – a guided fall deer hunt in Michigan will have a different set of requirements than winter elk hunting in Sheridan, Wyoming. Similarly, you’ll need different supplies for an Ozark elk hunting trip than for one on a California deer hunting ranch.

The first step to smart packing for a hunting trip is basic research. If you’re traveling to somewhere that you’ve never been before, hop on the Internet and find out as much as you can. If you’ve never been to Manitoba during elk hunting season, learn as much as you can before you start packing. Look into what sort of conditions you’ll be encountering, what the weather will be like, what the wildlife is like. You can check city, state and county websites, and send away for brochures on the area where you’ll be. Don’t take for granted that the weather will be good, or that it’ll be like it is in your own backyard. If there’s even the smallest chance of rain or snow, take that into consideration when packing – it’s better to be overprepared than underprepared.

You will, of course, be packing your hunting gear. Your hunting rifle, of course, in a sling carrier to save you bag. Ammo – more than you need, but don’t go crazy. 50 rounds for your main rifle is a good number. A sidearm, if you’re so inclined. And a cleaning kit. If your rifle has a scope, make sure you have lens brushes. Depending on where you’ll sleep, you may need a sleeping bag. Whatever the weather or season, pack a “space blanket,” a thin sheet of plastic material coated with a metallic substance that reflects about 80 percent of your body heat back to you when you’re wrapped in it. These come folded up small enough that they can fit in your pocket, and could save your life if you get lost on the trail while hunting elk and deer.

Pack clothes that will keep you warm and dry while hunting, and make sure you have a first aid kit stocked will all the basics. Also pack enough food to keep you going for the long days hunting outdoors – energy bars are good, as they take up little space but pack a lot of nutrition. Once you know where you’re going and what the weather will be like, packing for an elk or deer hunt is merely a matter of common sense and smart planning.

Learn more about hunting rifles and equipment on our site. You’ll also find other information such as saddles and funnels for deer hunts and game hunting in Wyoming. DeerElkHunting.com is a comprehensive resource to deer and elk hunters with information on hunting grounds, equipment and useful hunting tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rich_Fuller
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elk hunting

Choosing the Right Weapon for Elk and Deer Hunting

By Michael Radd

As with any sport, your choice of equipment will determine your degree of success when hunting deer and elk. When choosing a rifle, you should consider how it feels in your hands, how it fits to your shoulder, the weight, the sights, and its action and caliber. A gun of the right weight, with a good fit, will help you shoot more accurately.

Take time to carefully consider the length of the stock when shopping for hunting rifles. Stock lengths vary among different rifle manufacturers and models, and a stock that’s too long can be a problem – and if the stock is too short, the scope can strike your eyebrow. If needed, a gunsmith can change the length of the stock. Another problem with an improper fit, especially for larger men, is the “drop” – the distance between your cheek and the stock. When you press your cheek against the stock of the rifle, your shooting eye should line up with the sites. Too much drop will prevent you from placing your cheek against the stock, and the recoil could cause the stock to smack you in the face.

The weight of the rifle is another consideration. Most hunting rifles weigh between six and nine pounds. Lighter guns are much more comfortable to carry, but heavier rifles have less kick when fired. It may seem antithetical to buy a heavier rifle if you’re going to be carrying it around with you all day, but heavy rifles are easier to hold steady, and they’re more accurate when stand hunting or shooting long range. In densely populated areas where rifle hunting isn’t allowed, Shotguns and slugs are commonly used, and some states permit the use of shotguns with buckshot. The ideal shotgun for deer hunting is one with a rifled barrel and special sights, or a scope. Rifled barrels shoot slugs more accurately than smoothbore shotguns – rifling makes the slugs to spin and stabilize, allowing shots at deer up to 100 yards away. You shouldn’t use anything smaller than a 20 gauge shotgun for deer hunting – 12 gauge is the most popular.

Bowhunting offers a higher level of difficulty and a number of unique challenges, but also offers a longer hunting season when hunting deer and elk. Most bowhunters use a compound bow – a bigger, heavier bow that uses cams and pulleys for additional power and speed. Each state has a legal minimum for draw weight for hunting bows, usually between 35 and 45 pounds. Despite its increased difficulty – or perhaps because of it – some hunters choose to use a traditional bow and arrow for deer hunting. There are hunters who also use crossbows for hunting, as well.

A good sporting goods store or gun shop will have staff who can help you find the right weapon, no matter what your level of expertise. Having the right weapon is only half the key to successful deer and elk hunting, though – the rest is skill, patience and just plain luck.

For more resources on deer and elk hunting as well as information on long range hunting rifles and field dressing deer please visit DeerElkHunting.com today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Radd
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